ROVERS fans were given a brutal insight into the gulf in class that exists between the Premier League and the lower levels as Swansea City ran riot at the Memorial Stadium in a 5-1 pre-season friendly win.

Our players barely got a touch of the ball in the opening minutes as a Swans side full of first team regulars effortlessly kept possession in the Saturday afternoon sunshine.

Ayew set the tone for what was to come with a fine free kick that nestled into the top corner after just six minutes and further goals from Fer, Kingsley, Naughton and Routledge meant that this would be little more than a training exercise for the Gas.

We were chasing shadows for much of the contest but you could not help but admire the quality of the opposition play, particularly their pace, confidence on the ball and clinical finishing.

Despite the outcome there were some positives for Darrell Clarke to take. It was a worthwhile exercise for the players to test themselves against Premier League opposition and a vigorous workout in the heat that will enhance fitness levels.

He made a number of changes at half-time, including the appearance of striker Luke James, who is on loan from Peterborough. He showed enough to suggest he will be an asset over the coming season who will help bolster our attacking options.

He showed impressive pace and strength when in possession and scored a fine opportunistic goal to cap a promising 45 minutes.

The second half was a livelier affair from a Rovers’ perspective as the Swans eased off and the Pirates, bolstered by the arrival of Lines, Harrison and Mansell, among others, looked more dangerous.

Young prospect Alfie Kilgour can also be pleased with his efforts. The 18-year-old defender could do little to repel the waves of Swansea attacks but acquitted himself well, looked comfortable on the ball and was unfazed by the challenge.

He can also take comfort in the fact that he will not be playing against that level of opposition in League One every week.

It was an entertaining game despite the result and more than 1,000 travelling fans among a 4,300 crowd made for a lively atmosphere to whet the appetite ahead of the start of the new campaign.